At a study session Monday, Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education considered issues that will be put to a vote its Nov. 18 meeting.

Atop the list is considering a bid for a facility for the softball/baseball complex, housing a ticket booth, concession stand and restrooms, from Dave Setterblad, Sturgis Building Trades instructor. Students worked with Setterblad to offer the bid of $65,192.

Although working up a bid isn’t most students’ favorite aspect of building trades, it is a major aspect of a construction project, he said.

Board president Tom Roberts said the bid is a “substantial savings” compared to the facility recently completed at the soccer field, for a very similar building.

“Saving money is nice,” Roberts said. Having the students involved as builders in hands-on education, makes it “double sweetness.”

The board is also expected to approve October 2013 financial statements and invoices, a NEOLA policy update, and the annual summer tax resolution.

During administrative reports, Vicki Watson, director of finance, said Nov. 25 bids will be open for bus drivers. She expects existing bus drivers to offer a proposal for the district to consider.

The move is part of “best practice” requirements from the state, asking districts to bid out a non-instructional service each year.

In an effort to keep student in school through graduation, Julie Evans, assistant superintendent, said the high school is using “early warning” data to find freshmen showing signs of dropping out.

She also told the board that the district is posting a teaching position for the Great Start Readiness Program. The district is planning toward a full -day option for the preschool program open to 4-year-olds. Officials expect to offer either half- or full-day preschool soon.

In other news from Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Tom Langdon noted that Eastwood Elementary’s math night recently drew about 500 students and their family members.

Wall School students have been successful in fundraising this fall, Langdon added. The gross is $23,000, but the net will likely be less than half that, said Principal Nicole Airgood. Among other projects, money will be used to buy school T-shirts for students to wear on special days and on field trips, Airgood said.